KARACHI: With the franchise-based Pakistan Soccer League, backed by former England star Michael Owen, saying a collection of its launch occasions subsequent month, the Pakistan Soccer Federation Normalisation Committee has lastly acted, terming it as an “unlawful” occasion.
The Haroon Malik-led PFF NC, appointed by international soccer physique FIFA, stated in a press release on Friday that the PFL was not sanctioned by it.
“The Pakistan Soccer Federation (PFF) has categorically acknowledged that the franchise-based Pakistan Soccer League (PFL), which is claimed to be held within the subsequent month, is an unlawful occasion as per its statutes and has not sanctioned by the federation,” the PFF NC acknowledged.
“The PFF is the only governing physique for soccer in Pakistan duly affiliated with FIFA and the AFC. The PFF’s authority is strengthened by the Pakistan Sports activities Board (PSB) vide its letter dated September 9, 2014 in accordance with which the federal government solely engages with nationwide sports activities federations recognised by their respective worldwide our bodies.
“Taking part in, organizing, or supporting any soccer occasion not sanctioned by the PFF is a transparent violation of Article 82 of the PFF structure and will result in disciplinary measures. Moreover, the PFF emphasises that it encourages any undertaking geared toward real soccer growth within the nation, offered it’s duly accepted by the federation.”
The PFF NC’s assertion got here a day after British newspaper The Solar revealed that Owen will likely be joined by his former Liverpool and England strike associate Emile Heskey through the launch occasions in Islamabad, Lahore and Karachi subsequent month.
The PFL has introduced Nov 1 because the beginning date for its competitors. Its claims of partnerships had been denied by the English Premier League and its golf equipment.
The PFL is pointing to final yr’s verdict by the European Court docket of Justice on the breakaway European Tremendous League, which dominated towards the precept of the governing our bodies limiting a brand new league, to go forward with its plans.
Revealed in Daybreak, Might twenty fifth, 2024